Jeep Plans to Make 2026 the Year of the Wrangler

Jeep is planning some surprises for Jeep aficionados in 2026. As I recently reported, Jeep is planning to release something new every month about its famed Wrangler, whether it is a new color, new package or new capability. The 2026 Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 is the first of twelve new Wrangler editions that are intended to draw buyers back to the brand and reinvigorate sales. Jeep’s plan is called Twelve 4 Twelve. The 2026 Wrangler 392 is almost exactly $20,000 dollars cheaper than the 2025 model. We won’t find out about the next Wrangler surprise until mid-December but there are some new changes we are already aware of.

Changes for the 2026 Jeep Wrangler

New in 2026, Jeep is offering a “no frills” less expensive, Wrangler Moab 392. The Wrangler Moab has a 6.4-liter, 470-horsepower, V-8 engine with 470 lb.-ft. of torque. The Moab 392 also has 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch all-terrain tires, a 4.56 axle ratio, 2.72:1 Selec-Trac full-time transfer-case, plus two-mode dual exhaust and cold-air intake hood. The biggest surprise was that it is $20,000 cheaper than the previous 392.  

Also new in 2026, Wranglers have a better door hinge system that makes it easier to take off the doors. Door removal has always been an issue. Wranglers are known for drivers being able to remove doors to enjoy the great outdoors. Jeep has to balance being able to pop the doors off but also making the doors strong enough to withstand a possible side impact crash. 

The Wrangler can trace its roots back to the World War II Jeep.  Although the newer models are much sturdier, they continue to be modeled after the original Jeeps that were designed to carry troops through difficult terrain. 

Powertrains Available for 2026 Jeep Wranglers

2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine with 270 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

3.6-liter V-6 engine has 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The V-6 can either come with a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine has 470-horsepower and 470-lb.-ft. of torque. The powerful HEMI comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

2026 Jeep Wrangler Capability

• Best-in-class maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds
• Unmatched maximum crawl ratios up to 100:1
• Advanced 4x4 systems: Command-Trac, Rock-Trac and  Selec-Trac
• Available steel bumpers and a front Warn winch on Willys (two-door only)

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler maintains its incredible approach angle of 47.4, departure angle of 40.4 and breakover of 26.7. The Wrangler has 12.9 inches of ground clearance, enough to clear most obstacles. It also can manage up to 35 inches of water fording.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler is Available with These Trim Packages

• Sport
• Sport S
• Willys
• Sahara (four-door only)
• Rubicon
• Rubicon X
• Moab 392 (four-door only)

New limited-edition exterior colors include Reign, Goldilocks, Joose, Earl Grey and Tuscadero Pink.

I can’t wait until mid-December to see the next special edition 2026 Jeep Wrangler. We’ll have all the details right here.

Jeep Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

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